Ontario Disability
Support Program
The Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP) helps people with disabilities to
become more independent by providing income supports and employment supports.
To Apply
Contact the nearest ODSP office. In York Region:
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ontario Disability Support Program
17310 Yonge St. Unit 1
Newmarket, Ontario
L3Y 7R8
 905 868-8900
 1-877-669-6658
 905 715-7759 (TTY/TDD)
 905 715-7662 (Fax)
Income Supports
Provides financial assistance to people with physical or mental disabilities
You Are Eligible If You
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Are 18 years of age or older
Are a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status
Have cash, RRSP’s and/or insurance policies up to:
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$5,000 for a single person
an additional $2,500 if you have a spouse or same-sex partner
an additional $500 for each dependent child
Other kinds of income will affect your financial eligibility, such as a Canada Pension Plan or rental income. Certain assets
will not affect your eligibility. Examples are one motor vehicle and the cash value of a life insurance policy
 Have a substantial physical or mental disability that in ongoing over 1 year or more
If You Qualify, Complete the 4 Forms in the Disability Determination Package
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Have your doctor or psychologist complete the yellow Health Status Report
Have your doctor, psychologist or other specialist complete the blue Activities of Daily Living Report
The white Medical Consent Form. Make sure you sign this
The pink Self-Report. A worker from a community agency such as YSSN can help you complete this report.
Your application will be reviewed by the Disability Adjudication Unit of the Ministry. If you are turned down for supports,
call YSSN or another community agency, to assist you in starting the appeal process.
The Appeal Process
 First you request an Internal Review by the Ministry
 If unsuccessful, then you request a review by the Social Benefit Tribunal
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 If unsuccessful, then you appeal to the Divisional Court, Superior Court of Justice
If You Receive Supports, You Must
 Report changes in circumstances on the Changes Report Form you receive each month. Examples are: a change of your
address or in your income
 Complete a file review and update report every 3 years. Changes in your circumstances may affect your eligibility for
income support or the amount of income support you receive
Available Money
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If you are a single individual, you can receive up to $1057. per month
If you are a family of two, you can receive between $1601. & $1907.
Additional amounts for dependent children
This money will help you pay for:
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basic needs
shelter allowance
board and lodge
Basic Needs Include
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Food
Clothing
Transportation
Personal needs, such as toiletries
Other non-shelter items, such as:
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vision care
hearing aids
assistive devices, such as a wheelchair
Shelter Includes
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Rent
Mortgage
Property taxes
Heating and utilities, such as water
Insurance premiums for a dwelling and its contents
A second residence you are in for a short time while training for employment
Co-operative housing common expenses, such as for building maintenance
Condominium common expenses, such as for building maintenance
Board and Lodge
 You pay for meals at the same place you live, but this place must not be approved as a hostel
Other ODSP Benefits
 If you get a job, you can still receive some or all of your ODSP cheque, depending on your income
 If you need money to find another place to live, once in a 24-month period you may receive up to $799 if you are single,
and you may receive up to $1,500 if you are a family
 Even if you do not qualify for a monthly income allowance, you may still be able to receive an Extended Health Benefit.
This will cover costs such as certain prescribed drugs, dental work, eyeglasses, hearing aids, diabetic supplies, surgical
supplies, travel for medical appointments and some costs for assistive devices
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If Your Residence Is Not a House or Apartment
 If you live in an institution, such as a group home, ODSP will cover your cost of living. If you have financial need, you will
receive $120 per month for your personal needs
 If you live in a chronic care hospital, ODSP or the Assistive Devices Program of the Ministry of Health will cover the cost
of dental services, dentures, prosthetic devices, eyeglasses, wheelchairs and clothing
 If you live in recovery home where you are being treated for substance abuse, you may receive no more than $120 per
month after 3 months
Income Support May Be Extended For Up To 3 Months
 To you if you are no longer eligible
 To your spouse or same-sex partner if you die and have dependents
 Income Supports
Employment Supports
Helps people with physical or mental disabilities prepare for, find and maintain employment.
To Be Eligible, Your Disability Is Expected To Last 1 Year or More, and You
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Must be 16 years or older
Must be living in Ontario
Must be legally able to work in Canada
Do not have to be receiving ODSP Income Support
Ineligibility
 If you are receiving or are eligible for disability or rehabilitation benefits from other sources, you may not be eligible for
Employment Supports
 If you take part in the Ontario Works program, you are not eligible for Employment Supports
If You Qualify, Complete the Application Forms
 Verification of Disability/Impairment Form
 Employment Plan
 Employment Self-Assessment Form
If You Receive Supports, You Contribute To the Total Cost of Employment Supports
 You have no contribution if the total gross annual income from you, your spouse and/or parents is less than $51,000 in
the previous taxation year
 Your contribution is first paid towards any costs in the employment plan before any employment supports are paid
 Under certain exceptional circumstances, your contribution may be reduced or waived
Here Are the Types of Employment Supports You Can Use
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You can get help in planning, preparing and training for a job
You can get technical aids, such as mobility devices and adapted computers, and training to use them
You can get the services of an interpreter, reader or note-taker to help you get and keep a job
You can use a job coach to help with job searches
The cost of your transportation for job planning and training can be paid
Self-employment supports can be paid for up to $5,000. This includes tools, equipment, supplies, licenses, registration
and exams
“O u r
Mission
Communicate. Connect. Support.
©YSSN – Dec 2013